K’Nex confirms first new hires for UK division

K’Nex Brands has made the first two appointments in its new UK sales and marketing division.

Heading up K’Nex UK will be Paul Fogarty, who has previously had high profile roles with Mattel, Radica, Tomy and, most recently, Famosa. He will be joined by former Tomy and MGA exec, Tim Ives, who will head up the sales division.

The UK office will officially open on January 1st, 2014. Tomy Europe, the current distributor of K’nex in the UK, will continue to supply product through to the end of 2013.

"We are excited to have Paul and Tim join the K’Nex family," said Michael Araten, president and CEO of K’Nex Brands. "Their passion for our brand and years of toy expertise are incredibly valuable, and I am confident that, together, we can build a team who will work hand in hand with consumers and retailers in the UK to continue the growth and success of K’Nex Brands."

Fogarty added: "This is a really exciting time to be joining K’Nex. We plan to drive the brand with an emphasis on what makes K’Nex a unique, creative and exciting construction toy."

2014 also marks the 20th anniversary of K’Nex in the UK, with this being celebrated by various contests and promotions. These will be announced at London Toy Fair next January.

More details of the marketing initiatives to support the relaunch will be unveiled during spring previews in July and throughout the remainder of 2013.